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Free
Member
| Joined: | Wed Nov 28th, 2007 |
| Location: | Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 109 |
| First Name: | Jane | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Presbyterian, Gnostic, non-demoninational, Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Dec 28th, 2007 09:27 am |
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I haven't seen my situation mentioned in this good dialogue, so here it is. When I returned to Protestant Christianity 10 years ago, having been caught up in New Age thinking and other forms of Gnosticism, my then-husband, reacted violently. He had been raised a Baptist, but had rejected Christ completely, and would not allow any "institutionalized religion" in our family. When our sons were small, I tried twice to take them to the Presbyterian church I was raised in, but the violent reaction from then-husband caused me to give up on church. When the children were grown up and gone from home, Jesus called me out of Gnosticism and out of the fear that I was trapped in. After a profound born-again experience, I waited many months before going to church, fearing the violence, and sure enough, when I started attending, the violence came and continued, yet I continued attending church. In the midst of theis, the Lord showed me that the relationship I was in with then-husband was not truly a marriage, yet that I was to stay with him "for a time." The "time" turned out to be six years. I lived out 1Peter 3:1 for the first 5 years, with no visible change in husband. During the last year, there was a growing conviction in my spirit that the Lord wanted me to gently proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to husband. When I was sure of this, it still took me 11 days to rise above my fear and to find the "right" time. Husband gave me 7 minutes one morning before he left for work, and despite interruptions and the threat of violence from him, I preached Christ and his cross. After that, I felt a release from the "marriage," and by grace the Lord led me to a new place to live. The day I moved out, husband suggested marriage counseling. He had, of course, rejected my suggestions of marriage counseling throughout the years. Nevertheless, I wanted to do everything possible to save the marriage and agreed to counseling, even though I still moved out. After six months of counseling, the counselor told husband he couldn't come any more, because he wasn't honest about his intentions to seek counseling. I had hoped husband would divorce me, but learned in counseling that he wanted to stay married to retain control of our assets. After much prayer, I sought a divorce. It took almost two years for the divorce to become final and for the assets to truly be divided. It was after all that I heard the Lord's voice calling me to his Church. I can't imagine being able to even entertain the thought of becoming Catholic when I was in the marriage to someone so virulently anti-Christian and even more anti-Catholic. By the grace of God, I am out of that "marriage," I'm in the Church (still brings tears to my eyes), and am in the process of seeking an annulment of the marriage through the Church legal process. My advice is that if you are in a real marriage (and it sounds as though all of you who are converting singly are in true marriages), first praise God for your spouse and all that is good about him or her. Ask God in prayer many times a day to bless your spouse. Since being in the Church is a great blessing, that will be one of the blessings you are praying for, but not the only one. Tell God you trust his timing and that you want to be in his will. Pray for the virtue of patience. And love your mate as if there is no tomorrow. I pray for all of this for all of you, and I rejoice that God has honored you with this challenge!
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Pioneer
Member
| Joined: | Tue Jul 3rd, 2007 |
| Location: | Winchester, Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 18 |
| First Name: | Bob | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Presbyterian, LDS, Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Dec 30th, 2007 09:01 pm |
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Thank you, Jane, and God bless you.
You are very right.
I should and do thank God daily for my wife.
She has suffered and still continues to suffer much because of my decision.
Nevertheless she has unfailingly stood by me every step of the way.
I only pray for the strength to support her in her faith journey as she now struggles to learn God's will.
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GoFisher
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| Joined: | Mon Dec 18th, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 115 |
| First Name: | Kathy | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Mth Cng Prs UM sang@RC Ep UM (MDiv) Word-Faith Charismatic-RC |
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Posted: Sat Jan 5th, 2008 05:09 pm |
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Happy New Year folks!
Holidays are a challenge for families of several "denominations". Next month is the tenth anniversary of my non-Catholic brother's Catholic funeral Mass. How interesting that I've been around Catholics my whole life, but no one taught me anything about it. I did not know what The Blessed Sacrament was until 2005. I guess The Lord wanted to teach me Himself. I keep asking God IF He really wants me to be Catholic in a non-Catholic family. I think I accepted that, and then, a couple weeks ago, I asked Him (AGAIN) WHY He wanted me to be Catholic, and The Lord said, "How about, because I said so, is that a good enough reason?" "YEP", said I.
Everyone is on this journey, and we all must speak God's Truth so folks don't slide down to the pit. Well, it is hard to do that, but The Holy Spirit helps, and The Eucharist strengthens us to continue to be bold. Remember the martyrs who died to share The Truth so we could hear it now. Our suffering is NOTHING compared to that.
Praise The Lord! 
____________________
Love, hear + obey God: go fish! (me)
+ The Word became flesh... (St. John 1:14)
Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ. (St. Jerome)
+ Follow Me... fishers of men. (St. Matthew quotes The Lord Jesus)
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Irishman
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| Joined: | Thu Dec 13th, 2007 |
| Location: | St.Louis, Missouri USA |
| Posts: | 3 |
| First Name: | Jamie | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Non-Denom Protestant |
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Posted: Sun Jan 13th, 2008 02:52 pm |
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I've posted once before on Dec 13th 07 with my situation [I'm new]. - Well I'm about to go to church with my wife. It's a "bible church". Very uptempo with lively music and modern decor. No crosses or anything of that nature, just pictures of the city and of members at past gatherings. There are big screens that display the words to the songs and a stage that the band plays on and the pastors preach from. It's basically a big office building. Alot of what they teach is contrary to what I believe. Baptism [symbolic & believer only], communion [symbolic & once a month], sola scriptura [bible is the sole authority], sola fide [saved by faith alone] are the big ones. My evangelical wife is opposed to almost everything I believe, which is "Catholic". I have found the Catholic Church's truth a few months ago. My journey is still ongoing and I am discovering more truth and beauty each day. My wife opposes my journey. She does not support it. I love our current church but can no longer accept it's teaching. They love the Lord and bless many people in the community but what their doctrine is based on I just can't align with. I have finally came out and told my wife I might have to start the process of becoming Catholic soon and she did'nt take it well. We have always debated and communicated through letter because of frustration that would come out during talking about religion. It finally came to a head recently and we had a huge argument about faith. It's safe to say there is no more letter writting. I've exspressed many times that I respect her Protestant tradition and in no way disrespect it. I think she is 100% Christian and that's what I'm most conserned with. I've told her I would continue to attend church with her after Mass. I've explained that I don't think she's wrong or "un-saved". I have been as charitable and loving as I've possible could [with exception of our last argument -we were both wrong in that] in explaning myself. Now here is the latest :
If I don't become Catholic - my mind and heart will still be Catholic and our doctrinal beliefs will still be different. I will continue to attend her[our] church but will not be aligned with their teaching. I would be giving up my conscience and integrity to remain evangelical [by name only]. My spiritual needs will not be met and the spiritual part of my life could possibly suffer. I would be in much prayer for it not to.
If I do become Catholic - I would still attend church with her and Mass as well. My conscience and integrity would be intact and my spiritual needs would be met. I would be able to honestly worship and believe openly as I feel led to. My spiritual Life would have a better chance of prospering.
Either way my beliefs will still be different than hers. She says just by believing Catholic teaching I am saying she's wrong. But when she is honestly believing in her heart she's right how can I come out and say "your wrong". I don't disrespect her faith beliefs and understand why she believes what she does. I guess I could say the same about her thinking I'm wrong but I don't look to much into it. She's my wife and I love her and as long as Christ is centered in her life that's most important. She is always stressed about this now and does not see us as "equally yoked". I'm definately more tolerent than she is. I am confident we can make this work, she on the other hand is not. We pray daily for God to place us where He wishes according to His will. We give Him our marriage and it's His do to whatever He wants, we accept that.
It's been very hard lately and we don't discuss faith or religion anymore. If something is brought up I change the subject or just don't talk about it. She claims she just can't talk about it. I know we probably should discuss it but for now I just continue to study and pray. Anything Catholic I try and keep away from her. I don't know where were headed but one thing is for sure - I am Catholic in mind and heart and she is Protestant all the way [a little anti-Catholic if you ask me]. I am alone in my faith and she is'nt. I feel like somedays are 24 hours of prayer. It's tiring. I'm off to church - God Bless Everyone!
Jamie
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3John4
Member
| Joined: | Tue Feb 13th, 2007 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 76 |
| First Name: | Dede | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Catholic, Protestant, Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Jan 13th, 2008 05:30 pm |
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Jamie,
You have come to the right place. There are others here who could have written pretty much the same post you did, me being one of them. It helps to know that we don't suffer alone, and that we can come here whenever we need encouragement. Lots of us are, or have been, in your position, and you will be prayed for.
I wish there was an easy solution to the discord, and constant threat to our marriages when spouses are of two different faiths and both feel very strongly about their beliefs. I sure haven't found it yet though.
Blessings,
Dede
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BillK
Member
| Joined: | Sun Jan 6th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 20 |
| First Name: | Bill | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Revert to Catholicism (dabled in Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, Evangelical, Messianic ... |
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Posted: Mon Jan 14th, 2008 06:37 am |
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Jamie,
First of all, brother, you are not alone. Your story is almost word-for-word the same as mine. I am a "revert" for 4 years now and my wife has finally accepted my faith as "authentic" but is still very anti-Catholic. It is the most difficult thing I've ever faced and is a real challenge to my faith.
For years I tried arguing her into accepting the CC and pointing out what was wrong with the teachings of her church. All that got me was threats of her walking out on me and the kids. It is soooo hard to go with her to her worship service, especially when over half of them to date have had some sort of anti-Catholic message.
We are now in the process of getting some counseling. I received three different "signs" that we should see marriage counselors from the parish I attend and my wife was ready to go but then received advice from her pastor that she shouldn't go because they are Catholic and that we need someone "neutral". Here is the irony of the situation: we are now going to see her pastor instead!!!!
The reason why I bring this up is because I realize that the only way my wife will ever even consider the CC is if she sees changes in me. I look at how our savior suffered on the cross for us and see that we are called to do the same. It is going to be really hard for me but I realize that I need to love her sacrificially and authentically. Sounds like you may already be there.
This forum is great but I would also suggest you get involved in a small group in your parish. I am surrounded by so many who share the same views as my wife and until I got involved in the Neocatechumenal Way, I felt very alone and isolated. It is so uplifting to be able to share my Catholic faith with other like-minded brothers and sisters.
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DrDave
Member
| Joined: | Mon Nov 6th, 2006 |
| Location: | Mildura, Australia |
| Posts: | 211 |
| First Name: | Dave | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Cradle - Lapsed - Renewed Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Jan 14th, 2008 07:22 am |
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Irishman wrote: Either way my beliefs will still be different than hers. She says just by believing Catholic teaching I am saying she's wrong.
Of course you are:? If one accepts that there is only one objective Truth (Jesus Christ) then anyone accepting the teachings of any Christian group over another is implicitly saying that all of the other Christian groups have got at least some of it wrong. (This is the elephant in the room that no-one talks about at a large proportion of "ecumenical" gatherings)
Many Protestants try to downplay this reality with the line "we agree on essential doctrines" but as David A has pointed out elsewhere, when pushed they can't even agree on what are "essential doctrines".
So 'fess up, you do think she's wrong, just as she thinks you're wrong. This, however does not need to be the end of the story. You respect her for following what she believes to be the Truth, even if you disagree. You respect her right to not have your Truth imposed upon her especially because you disagree.
You both agree that Jesus Christ is that Truth
I suggest baby steps. I would start by writing a love letter, and make it one that will at least get an "honorable mention" when God's Top Ten list of best love letters ever written is finally published. Apologise for any hurt you have caused ('coz I'm sure it was unintended) Suggest trying to find some common ground. Perhaps start with the Creed. The first line says "I believe in God the Father the Almighty" I believe that, do you? what does it mean to you? do we have at least this much in common?
Like I said, baby steps, leave line 2 for next week (or next month) and simply try to be the best Catholic, the best Husband, the best Person you can possibly be, because (as I'm sure you'll agree) she's worth it. (No, I don't take any sponsorship dollars from Revlon )
Regards Doc
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3John4
Member
| Joined: | Tue Feb 13th, 2007 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 76 |
| First Name: | Dede | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Catholic, Protestant, Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Jan 14th, 2008 09:14 pm |
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Before I launch into the crux of this post I'll just admit that I've been having a really bad couple of days, so I'm sure this is going to sound rather negative.
I came back to the Church about three years ago, after spending 19 years in the protestant church with my husband. We were both very involved in our church, and together facilitated many of the church's activities. Now, I attend mass alone, while my anti-Catholic husband takes the children to a new church by himself. Upon reflection I have come to realize a few things about my situation that may ring true for a few other posters as well.
First of all, in order to have found our way from another faith into Catholicism, it had to have mattered enough to us to investigate with an open mind, admit and accept that whatever we believed before our search lacked a certain degree of truth, and do what was required by the Church to enter into full communion. Many of us have done this in spite of the opposition of spouses, parents, etc., which indicates that nothing mattered more to us than our devotion to the Truth that Christ taught.
Acknowledging that nothing is more important to me than my love for Christ and His Church, and wanting so badly for my husband and children to know this fullness of faith and joy too, I have found it extremely difficult to accept that I cannot discuss this most central aspect of my life with my own spouse. It is a huge blow to my marriage, and I wonder if a relationship can ever truly be healthy and fulfilling once something like this occurs.
I am also very skeptical that counseling with a protestant pastor (as you have so generously agreed to do, Bill) can result in anything good. Please don't misunderstand me though; I am not advocating divorce. However, I do wonder if for many of us who convert alone while our spouses remain hostile to the Catholic Church are thereafter relegated to a marriage relationship defined primarily by pain and prayer.
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HelenRose
Member
| Joined: | Mon Dec 17th, 2007 |
| Location: | Cedaredge, Colorado USA |
| Posts: | 30 |
| First Name: | Helen | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Christian Church, Catholic Church |
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Posted: Mon Jan 14th, 2008 10:39 pm |
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Credo Catholic wrote: GoFisher wrote: It still hurts my feelings for any Christian to complain about other denominations.
I still am not sure why The Lord wants me to be Catholic, but I know for sure that I am being obedient to do so.
Amen, Amen, and Amen! I will be your amen corner! It's hard to say no to God isn't it?
I became a Catholic 18 years ago. My husband supported me even though he did not understand and was not a believer. Last year he was baptised as a Catholic.
My son is studying to become a Presbyterian minister. He was as happy as I was that his father was baptised and became a Christian.
There is no reason for Christians to attack each other. We are loved by God as we make our journey to Him.
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Christine Ann
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | An Hours' Drive From Cincinnati, Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 113 |
| First Name: | Christine Ann | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | former Lutheran, Baptist, now Catholic. |
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Posted: Tue Jan 15th, 2008 12:27 am |
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Dear Helen,
Thank you for sharing that your husband ultimately became Catholic as you are. It gives me great encouragement to know that does happen. My husband is accepting of my conversion, but says he has "no interest" in becoming Catholic. I will keep on praying...
In His Love,
Christine Ann
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kimdyuma
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Arizona USA |
| Posts: | 710 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Anglican, Episcopal /Catholic-04/07/07 |
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Posted: Tue Jan 15th, 2008 12:36 am |
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| My hsuband is like that too, but he is very supportive in attending church ( whichever one) with our kids so after this Sunday he will be attending the Cahtolic church with me and the kids
____________________
Adopt from your local Humane Society- Please spay or neuter your pets
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HelenRose
Member
| Joined: | Mon Dec 17th, 2007 |
| Location: | Cedaredge, Colorado USA |
| Posts: | 30 |
| First Name: | Helen | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Christian Church, Catholic Church |
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Posted: Tue Jan 15th, 2008 06:52 pm |
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Christine Ann,
I really believe that being supportive of our husbands' journeys is extremely important. Often the Holy Spirit will surprise us when we least expect it.
We can trust God's mercy. He really does know what He is doing.
Helen
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jumpdog
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| Joined: | Fri Dec 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Charlotte, North Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 21 |
| First Name: | | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Jan 15th, 2008 07:27 pm |
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Hi Guys,
As some of you more seasoned posters well know, I have been trying to get my wife to convalidate our marriage for the past six years.
I don't quite know how to tell all of you... but it looks as if my wife has decided to leave me (we've been married for 20 years).
Our marriage has been an up-hill struggle for many years... even before I decided to start attending mass again back in 1995. Convalidation was another battle on top of everything else.
The final blow (according to her) was my refusal to attend my sister's wedding (which was outside of the church-- another story in and of itself).
She refuses to go to a marriage counselor with me (which I am in favor of). However, she is seeing a therapist due to other issues (she says that she is depressed and is taking anti-depressants, but I know there are other issues that she struggles with such as anorexia, low-self esteem, etc.)
Please pray for her and my 2 sons. I'm doing ok... I know God will give me the strength to get through it... whatever the outcome. I know that all of this will be for His greater glory. I hope that my 2 sons will someday understand the roots of the True Faith. They are siding with their mother... which does not surprise me... nor do I hold it against them. I hope and pray as they grow to be men that they will look past my faults and see the image of Jesus that I strive to be.
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HelenRose
Member
| Joined: | Mon Dec 17th, 2007 |
| Location: | Cedaredge, Colorado USA |
| Posts: | 30 |
| First Name: | Helen | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Christian Church, Catholic Church |
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Posted: Tue Jan 15th, 2008 08:05 pm |
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Your greatest challenge at this time, is to insure that your children do NOT have to feel that they must side with you or with your wife.
Your problems are serious but it is your children who need your maturity and strength.
Be there for them. Never say anything degrogatory about your wife in front of them. If they believe that it is the Church that has caused the heartache they are feeling, it doesn't matter who was right and who was wrong. They will not want to blame you nor will they want to blame their mother. It will be natural for them to blame something outside of their home.
My prayers are for your children. I know the pain that they are experiencing all to well.
As a thought: your children will be able to forgive you and accept you, to the same degree that you are able to forgive and accept their mother.
Last edited on Tue Jan 15th, 2008 08:20 pm by HelenRose
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HelenRose
Member
| Joined: | Mon Dec 17th, 2007 |
| Location: | Cedaredge, Colorado USA |
| Posts: | 30 |
| First Name: | Helen | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Christian Church, Catholic Church |
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Posted: Tue Jan 15th, 2008 08:41 pm |
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| 1 Corinthians 7 is an excellent resource for this discussion. Paul has quite abit of good advice to give in this regard.
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jumpdog
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| Joined: | Fri Dec 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Charlotte, North Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 21 |
| First Name: | | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Jan 15th, 2008 08:52 pm |
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Helen,
My boys are 12 and 14-- prime age for rebellion.
Unfortunately, my wife has already poisoned them against the Church (and me). I had a talk with them last week (without her present), and I was SHOCKED at the anti-Catholic rhetoric that came out of their mouths! I don't hold them responsible-- I know it comes from my wife and her protestant church.
Funny... I think that God gave me a brief glimpse of what Jesus must have been feeling during His Passion... Father, forgive them... they know not what they are doing. In doing so, I think that I now have an idea of what it means to have unconditional love.
My wife has also developed a pattern of behavior (almost since they were born) where she will sequester them with her whenever we fight. She then literally makes a "party" out of it... doing extra special things with them and lavishing extra attention on them. I come from the old school where parents do fight, but then talk and make-up later after the emotions have cooled down. I wasn't prepared for someone who would not forgive and hold a grudge indefinitely. I realized (too late) how she (for lack of a better word) brainwashed them against me and the Church. I can't fight that kind of coersion. I will have to allow God to work in His own way... I have neglected to see negative influence she has on them, and I know that we will never have the fullness of the relationship that a father should have with a son. I probably won't ever "undo" what she has done to them-- spreading all kinds of misconceptions, half-truths, and outright lies against the Church.
Last edited on Tue Jan 15th, 2008 08:53 pm by jumpdog
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3John4
Member
| Joined: | Tue Feb 13th, 2007 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 76 |
| First Name: | Dede | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Catholic, Protestant, Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Jan 15th, 2008 09:36 pm |
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Jumpdog,
As we have endured some of the same struggles, you have often been in my prayers. (As you can see, I, unfortunately, don't have a lot of clout though!) I am soooo sorry you are now facing this separation. I truly admire your attitude, and will continue to remember you in prayer.
Blessings,
Dede
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David W. Emery
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Brownsville, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 1715 |
| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Jan 15th, 2008 10:19 pm |
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Sorry to hear of your outcome, Jumpdog. You gave it a valiant effort.
And I have prayed right along with you every step of the way. Success in prayer must not be measured by getting what you pray for, but how devoted you are to the will of God, no matter how things turn out. I think you have set an admirable example in that regard.
David
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jumpdog
Member
| Joined: | Fri Dec 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Charlotte, North Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 21 |
| First Name: | | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Jan 16th, 2008 01:21 pm |
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I would like to thank everyone... all of you regular CHN posters, as well as the staff at CHN (David & CajunRick specifically).
God has blessed me with many loving and caring people... at St Matthews in Charlotte (the choir in particular), at work (Fredia and Casey), and my loving and forgiving family. I must be doing something right because of all of the people that have come to my aid-- in person as well as in prayer.
It's not over until yet... I will not abandon hope for our marriage. She may be calling the shots right now, but I know that God is in control. My trust is in Him... it is so AWESOME to be able to lay all of my worries and frustrations at the foot of the Cross!!
One more note... I will be able to take the sacraments again as soon as she leaves. I will make a bee-line to the confessional. I know that the Eucharist will be icing on the cake... I have dreamed of the day when I could unburden myself from all of my sins and be truly forgiven.
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Bernadette
Member
| Joined: | Sat Oct 13th, 2007 |
| Location: | Los Angeles, California USA |
| Posts: | 10 |
| First Name: | Bernadette | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Catholic, *dramatic* conversion, Congregational, Foursquare, Amish-Mennonite, Calvary Chapel, Eastern ... |
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Posted: Wed Jan 16th, 2008 02:50 pm |
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3John4 wrote: Bernadette, (That's my confirmation name!)
There are several of us on this forum whose stories are very similar to yours. Know that you are not alone: we really do relate to and understand your pain, and we will actively pray for you.
I, for one, find this forum a great comfort when I am at my wit's end because there are many compassionate and wise Catholics here. I hope you will visit often. I sense that you have great things to share too!
Blessings,
Dede
Hello again, Dede, and all my friends here!
Sorry I haven't posted in a while (though I've lurked and have been SO blessed by the encouragement here). Over the holidays, both my and Tim's mothers moved in with us (yes, we covet your prayers, but that's a whole 'nother post!  ); recently, every time I tried to post to the forum, I just could not log in for some reason... I finally thought to pray (duh!), and consequently logged in this morning with no problems. So here I am!
I just wanted to give a brief update on where I/we are at. Thanks SO very, very much to all who prayed for my situation. My beloved, "evangelical," Timothy has become totally accepting of my coming back to the Church!!! He even encouraged me to attend my parish's Bible study last night... and he put all four of our little guys to bed by himself (no small feat; trust me) so that I could go!!! As for me, by God's grace I am growing in my newfound (re-found?!) Faith, and "my cup runneth over"!
To any of you who are "on the fence," I encourage you to just start praying the Rosary every day, while really meditating upon the Mysteries. This devotion is aiding me beautifully-- in too many ways to list here!
As you can imagine, I am up to my ears in housework, but just wanted to check in and tell you what's been going on over here-- glory to God!
Thanks again for all your prayers and encouragement! His mercy and grace are truly unfathomable. Here's my (crazy) journey, on the right-hand side, under "About Me":
http://www.myspace.com/donna_ellis
In Christ's love,
Donna Ann Bernadette Ellis
____________________
"Listen to Him." --God the Father (Luke 9:35)
"Do whatever He tells you." --Blessed Mary (John 2:5)
http://www.myspace.com/donna_ellis
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sdreidy
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| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Oklahoma USA |
| Posts: | 9 |
| First Name: | shawn | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Assembly of God, Southern Baptist |
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Posted: Wed Jan 16th, 2008 05:32 pm |
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RonRule
How does your Sunday schedule look? Do you still attend with her? Were you in ministry before you converted?
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David W. Emery
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Brownsville, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 1715 |
| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Jan 16th, 2008 08:49 pm |
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jumpdog wrote:One more note... I will be able to take the sacraments again as soon as she leaves. I will make a bee-line to the confessional. I know that the Eucharist will be icing on the cake... I have dreamed of the day when I could unburden myself from all of my sins and be truly forgiven.
Yes, that was a top item in my mind, but I didn’t want to mention it until you did. There is a good that comes even from evil. God can and does make it happen.
David
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Bernadette
Member
| Joined: | Sat Oct 13th, 2007 |
| Location: | Los Angeles, California USA |
| Posts: | 10 |
| First Name: | Bernadette | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Catholic, *dramatic* conversion, Congregational, Foursquare, Amish-Mennonite, Calvary Chapel, Eastern ... |
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Posted: Wed Jan 16th, 2008 09:39 pm |
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jumpdog wrote: Hi Guys,
As some of you more seasoned posters well know, I have been trying to get my wife to convalidate our marriage for the past six years.
I don't quite know how to tell all of you... but it looks as if my wife has decided to leave me (we've been married for 20 years)...
ohmigosh, jumpdog!  bless your heart! please forgive me for barging in earlier with my positive and seemingly insensitive update. you see, i hadn't had a second to catch up on these posts; i was just adding to some stuff i posted a couple months ago. i just finished moppping the floor and was taking a break, and i read your posts and my heart is breaking for you guys.
listen, if my hubby could agree to our convalidation, anybody could!  don't give up hope! his heart is ever-so-slowly softening to the Church, too. miracles can and do still happen. pray, pray, pray, my brutha. i know i and the others here will be lifting you up in prayer, too.
"...In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
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"Listen to Him." --God the Father (Luke 9:35)
"Do whatever He tells you." --Blessed Mary (John 2:5)
http://www.myspace.com/donna_ellis
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Bernadette
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